The president of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade appreciated the effort of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) in bringing attention to the impact of such initiatives on small businesses.
Vaughn Hammond, CFIB director of provincial affairs, has written Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Keith Hutchings about concern over the lack of consultation with the small business community.
While Noseworthy said there is no secret that increased costs and fees are coming to western Newfoundland, the business community would prefer to see a phased in financial impact as opposed to an immediate doubling or tripling of fees. He said the impact will be felt on a business’s bottom line — with the greatest burden to renovation and construction-type companies, who generally have a lot of waste — which potentially deters expansion and growth and also results in financial ramifications being passed on to the consumer.
He also believes large infrastructure projects such as the new regional hospital in Corner Brook will see overall cost increases as a result.
Business representatives have already had concerns over the new card payment system at the Wild Cove landfill, according to the Noseworthy. There have been reports of inaccuracies and its difficulty to use, potentially leading to overcharging, he said.
Noseworthy said the benefits of recycling at the central landfill in Norris Arm are noticeable with the difference of a $180 per tonne for regular garbage and $122 for recycled materials. However, he shares a concern about the impacts of a recycling program on small businesses.
“We do really believe there can be a process that works for everyone, that it should not be a burden to anyone,” he said.
While the debate about establishing a western regional waste management site versus the impending method of trucking garbage to the central site may be a dead issue, it is still fresh in the minds of most.
Noseworthy brought it up Tuesday, saying people are still waiting for proof this is the most cost-effective method. There has been suggestion the decision to truck waste from western was made to help the viability of the central landfill, he said.
Meanwhile, Hammond’s criticism comes on the verge of new regulations being implemented in central. He said the approach being adopted punishes small business owners rather than providing incentives to recycle.
Government is also considering a new recycling program on packaging and printed paper. He said the costs and red tape are going to continue to balloon.
Discrepancy in how the fees are applied (all costs are per tonne)
Landfill materials
Eastern $67.60
Central $122 ($180 in September)
Western $59 (Wild Cove and St. George’s)
Labrador West $95
Recyclable materials
Eastern $20
Central $122
Western $59 (Wild Cove and St. George’s)
Labrador West $95
Source: Canadian Federation of Independent Business